even a homely girl looks beautiful at the peak of her youth; even coarse tea tastes good when freshly brewed
Proverb meaning that anyone or anything can shine at its best moment. Abbreviation of 鬼も十八番茶も出花. The literal gloss about tea is included to show the imagery.
See also: 鬼も十八番茶も出花
As the saying goes, 'even coarse tea tastes good when freshly brewed,' so anyone can shine while they are young.
Full form of the proverb, adding 'even an ogre at eighteen' to emphasize that youth brings out the best in anyone.
Abbreviated from the longer proverb 鬼も十八番茶も出花. The literal meaning contrasts coarse tea (番茶) with its first brew (出花), suggesting that even low-grade tea is at its best when freshly steeped.